On November 14, 2016, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new Form I-9. The following are key changes in the revised form:
- The new form is available in paper or hardcopy form or in a fillable computer form.
- Completion of the form on a computer is now enhanced by prompts, drop-down menus and calendars.
- While this new “smart” form makes completion on a computer easier, the form as provided cannot be electronically signed. Instead, it must be printed for signature.
- The instructions for completion have been separated from the form itself. Employers should not forget to make the instructions available to employees when they are completing Section 1.
- The form is a bit longer. The reformatting created a new “Additional Information” space in Section 2 in which employers can note comments that were previously squeezed into margins.
- A separate page has been created for the preparer and/or translator certification and may be completed by multiple individuals.
Beginning January 22, 2017, employers must only use the new form. In the meantime, employers may use either the prior or new version.
Takeaway: The USCIS has published a new Form I-9 which MUST be used as of January 22, 2017. Employers should familiarize themselves with the new form and plan for implementation.